Reportedly, the original vision that Steve Jobs and his design chief, Jony Ive, had for the iPhone was to create a sleek, modern device—a slab of glass devoid of any buttons or cutouts. However, the technology available at that time posed significant limitations, preventing Apple from achieving this ambitious design. Fast forward to today, and as highlighted by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman in his recent Power On weekly newsletter, Apple is actively working on a groundbreaking new look for the upcoming iPhone 20 Pro models.
The future iPhone 20 Pro is expected to feature a stunning curved slab of glass, completely free of cutouts on the display or ports for data transfer and charging. According to insights from Korea's ET News, Apple's supply chain is developing a 4-sided bending display technology. This innovative design will allow the glass to wrap around all four sides of the phone, effectively eliminating the traditional bezels that typically frame the device's front.
By strategically relocating the bezels to the sides of the handset, they will remain invisible from the front view, providing a seamless visual experience for users. This design shift is aimed at enhancing the overall aesthetic and functionality of the iPhone.
In addition to its bold design, Apple plans to integrate an under-display camera (UDC) into the iPhone 20 Pro. By placing the front-facing cameras—including the crucial Face ID camera—beneath the screen, Apple aims to further refine the iPhone's design while addressing the placement of the device's bezels. This advancement in camera technology will allow for a more immersive display experience without compromising on functionality.
As for charging, users will rely on wireless charging, including Apple's innovative MagSafe system, to power the iPhone 20 Pro. Additionally, reports from Korea suggest that Apple is exploring the use of a solid-state battery. This new battery technology has the potential to significantly enhance battery life by replacing traditional graphite with silicon as a cathode material, which could lead to longer-lasting power for users.
This eye-catching new design for the iPhone 20 Pro is set to debut in 2027, coinciding with the celebration of 20 years since the original iPhone was unveiled by the late Steve Jobs on January 9, 2007. The iPhone quickly captivated global audiences, officially launching on June 29, 2007, and sparking long lines at Apple Stores worldwide. It fundamentally transformed how we communicate and interact with technology in our daily lives.
Moreover, the year 2027 will also mark the 10th anniversary of the iPhone X, a groundbreaking device that introduced the first OLED panel on an iPhone, replaced the Touch ID fingerprint scanner with the advanced Face ID facial recognition system, and paved the way for the iOS gesture navigation system that many users enjoy today.
As Apple continues to innovate and push the boundaries of smartphone technology, the iPhone 20 Pro promises to be a remarkable testament to the company's enduring commitment to design excellence and user experience.